Panama mulling role in refugee crisis.

 PANAMA  will have a clearer response to the refugee crisis in the Middle East by the end of the week.

Vice-President and Foreign Minister  Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado said she is in contact with the United Nations and other institutions connected to the issue and  is trying to define the implications for Panama if it gets involved.

She said it has not yet been determined if Panama will accept any families, or if the country can help in other ways.

“Panama cannot look the other way in this humanitarian crisis, We have to be involved,” she said.

Last week, President Juan Carlos Varela pledged the country’s support in accepting refugees, but that statement has caused concerns among those who think Panama is not equipped to handle refugees.